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I've been hurt in an accident and I want to file a claim for my injuries. What's the first thing I should do? 
The first few hours can be critical to the eventual outcome of a personal injury case, because it may be your only opportunity to gather important visual evidence. If possible, if you have a digital camera or a cell phone with a built-in camera, use it to take photographs of everything connected with the accident and your injury. Then, contact Simeone & Miller so we can arrange to meet with you.Prior to meeting with us, take the following steps (the more of these suggestions you can follow, the more smoothly your claim process is likely to flow).
Should I notify people myself about my intention to file a claim for my accident injuries?
No, let your attorneys do that. You need not notify the people you think are responsible for your injuries within a set number of days after an accident. But that doesn't mean you should drag your feet. On the contrary, acting right away will increase your chances of receiving a quick and fair resolution to your claim.Giving notice doesn't obligate you to file a claim; it simply preserves your rights and prevents others from later saying that your claim is unfair because you waited too long to tell them about your injuries. Your attorneys will notify others at the appropriate time that you intend to file a claim for your injuries. You and your attorneys can then move at your own pace in processing and negotiating the claim with the responsible individual, insurance company, or government agency. What is the difference between a claim and a lawsuit?A claim is generally made with an insurance company for reasonable compensation for injuries sustained as a result of an insured's negligence. A lawsuit is a legal action taken against an individual, an insurance company, a corporation, or a government entity to recover compensation for injuries. Your attorneys will help you determine the best course of action to take in your case. Is there a deadline for filing a lawsuit to recover compensation for my injuries?
There are statutes of limitations that limit the time in which you have to file. If you miss your state's deadline, you will lose your right to recover compensation in court and will be forced to abandon your claim altogether. Again, promptly notifying Simeone & Miller of your injury and arranging to meet with us is your best guarantee of never having to face this possibility.I was injured while traveling, what should I do?If an accident occurred somewhere other than in your home, return to the scene as soon as possible to locate any evidence and photograph any conditions you believe may have caused or contributed to the accident. You may be surprised to discover something you were not aware of when the accident occurred, but which may help explain what happened: a defect on the spot where you fell, a traffic light that isn't working, a pertinent object that was overlooked, etc. Do not break any laws by removing things that do not belong to you, but remember to take photographs before and after removing any physical evidence. Can I make an accident injury claim against a government entity?Yes. If your accident might have been wholly or partially caused by a government entity or employee of a city, county, state, or federal government, or any public agency or division (a city bus or a school district, for example), your attorneys must file a formal claim within a short time after your accident. This period of time usually ranges between 30 days and one year, depending on your state. Note that failure to file a claim within the time limit or failure to include required information in your claim may result in losing your right to collect compensation. Do not delay — contact Simeone & Miller attorneys today. I was sexually assaulted but was not physically injured, do I have a case?
Absolutely. Sexual assault is a horrific act and whether or not you were physically injured or whether the perpetrator has been legally prosecuted is irrelevant to your right to file a lawsuit for damages. Your civil rights have been violated and you need help seeking recompense.Many women feel intimidated after a sexual assault and are reluctant to act, especially if the perpetrator is a friend or coworker. However, while we are not insensitive to potentially embarrassing circumstances, we are also aware that an aggressive, forthright legal action is not only in your best interests, but in the best interests of justice as well. Your attorneys can help you overcome your reluctance by presenting you with a clear strategy, one calculated to help preserve your privacy to the furthest possible extent and gaining compensation for the wrong that was done to you. Again, taking notes ahead of time and documenting any physical evidence will only help to strengthen your case. I was bitten by a dog, can I be compensated for my injury?An owner is responsible for an attack by his dog if the dog has demonstrated "vicious propensities" in the past or if the owner fails to exercise control over the dog. Period. It is a myth that "a dog gets one free bite." The so called "one bite rule" arises from the mistaken belief that in order to demonstrate that an owner had knowledge of his dog's "vicious propensities" you must demonstrate that the dog has bitten someone. This isn't the case. "Vicious propensities" can be demonstrated by previously chasing people, bearing teeth, or other attacks without biting. In addition, even if a dog has never exhibited "vicious propensities," if it bares teeth and/or chases after someone, the owner cannot stand idly by when a tug on a leash or call to the dog could prevent the attack. |
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